The Location of Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture is located in the center of Japan and is a mountainous region, with approximately 84% of its land covered by mountains. Known as the "roof of Japan," Nagano is home to stunning 3,000-meter-class mountains and clear streams, which have fostered a rich culture and history over the centuries. The prefecture is situated inland, far from the sea, and experiences snowfall during the winter months.
Nagano is famous for its popular ski resorts and was the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics. Well-known landmarks such as Zenkoji Temple and Matsumoto Castle draw many visitors, and the prefecture shares borders with more other prefectures than any other in Japan, making it a popular tourist destination.
The region's cool climate, with large temperature differences between seasons, is ideal for growing a wide variety of vegetables. Nagano is particularly known for its apples and grapes, as well as mushrooms, lettuce, buckwheat, rice, and cut flowers.

Azumino, a scenic area at the foothills of the Northern Alps.

Like other prefectures, Nagano is facing challenges from a declining birthrate and an aging population, which is leading to anticipated labor shortages. The number of foreign workers in Nagano is approximately 20,000, with the majority coming from Vietnam, China, the Philippines, and Brazil. Nearly 50% of these workers are employed in manufacturing, while others work in service industries, agriculture and forestry, hospitality and food services, wholesale and retail.
In terms of residency status, nearly 50% hold visas based on familial or personal ties, making this the largest group. This is followed by technical interns, who account for just under 30%, and those in specialized or technical fields, making up slightly over 10%. Foreign workers are playing an essential role in supporting Nagano's labor force across various sectors.